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Best DAW Control Surface

by
Philip Rudy
August 7, 2019 • 1 min read

Flexibility is the trend among the best new digital audio workstation (DAW) control surfaces. While it was once necessary to design your studio around the needs of your DAW surface, you can now buy a control surface that molds itself to fit your needs. Our list of the best DAW control surfaces includes two new units that adapt to your needs in different ways. The Asparion D400 has a modular design that fits anywhere, and the Slate Raven MTi2 has a touch screen that automatically displays controls for all of the most popular DAW packages.

Best Budget DAW Surface Controllers

For its perfect combination of being affordable, transportable and powerful, the Behringer X-Touch Mini is the number one choice in this category. It is the smallest product in the company’s new X-Touch series. With two control layers and 16 illuminated buttons, there is everything you need for basic control surface functions. This gives you the benefit of having a powerful workstation that you can take anywhere without having to lug around heavy equipment. If you need drum pads, plan on purchasing them separately.

Features

USB and MIDI ports

Universal remote for functions

60mm master fader with long wear

Easy in-depth configuration

Dual-layer mode for quick changes

Solid construction in comparison with similar products

Software

This controller is compatible with most professional audio production software programs and all of the most popular professional DAW programs.

The Korg nanoKONTROL2 surface controller has eight faders and is very small in size. It is simple enough to use that you may not even need to read the manual to know how to operate it. Since it lacks motorized faders, it is not an ideal choice if you want to record automation. However, it is easy to use for most purposes. Also, you can pair it with a nanopad percussion device and a nanokeys synthesizer to make a complete MIDI suite at home.

Features

USB connection

Low-profile appearance

Control surface with multiple functions

Marker advance

New track selection

Software

This surface controller is compatible with most programs including the main DAW programs. It usually comes with Korg Kontrol Editor. Owners have also used it with the Logic Pro X and ProTools programs without any issues.

Although Icon is somewhat new to the digital audio production market in the United States, it has been producing high-quality products for several years in other markets. The QCon Lite has a simple and compact design. There are four encoder knobs, a motorized fader, 16 buttons for pre-set functions, a jog wheel and eight assignable buttons.

Features

USB and MIDI ports

100mm motorized fader

Easy assignment

Push encoders for parameter control

LCD digital information display

Software

The QCon Lite is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8. It is also compatible with OS X or higher. There are built-in presets for Amplitude, Logic Pro, Nuendo, ProTools, Cubase and Ableton. It may not work with other programs.

Best Medium-Priced DAW Surface Controllers

Although this device has simple construction, its wide range of functions and affordable price tag make it number one in this category. To get the same full range of features on a competitor’s DAW surface controller, you would have to spend about four times as much as you would pay for the Behringer B-Control Fader BCF2000. Its size also makes it easy to accommodate in any recording space.

Features

USB and MIDI ports

Sturdy construction

Intuitive interface

Eight 100mm motorized faders

Dual-mode encoders with high resolution

Four virtual groups

MIDI buttons with multiple functions

Panel elements are all assignable

Software

This controller is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. Editor software, librarian software and additional drivers are available for download from Behringer.com. Although this controller may work with most professional software programs, you can find what you need from Behringer’s site for this device.

If you are not concerned about your unit being portable, the sturdy Icon QCon Pro is an excellent choice for value. You get the same features as you would find in a model that is three times the price. It communicates between hardware and software quickly, and you can control a wide array of functions remotely with ease.

Features

USB, MIDI and pedal ports

Nine 100mm motorized faders

Push encoders with LED rings

Control transport

Easy automation

Track assignment

Mute/solo/rec features

Control 32 channels with QConEX extenders

Software

This device is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. Since it is a class-compliant controller, there is no need to download additional drivers. It is designed to support Dubase, Logic Pro, ProTools, Nuendo, Live, Samplitude, Reaper, Reason and Studio One programs. If you use a different program, the QCon Pro has a MIDI learning mode to help it learn programs that are not already supported.

The Roland AIRA MX-1 has great sound effects that are designed to be easily manipulated and are sensibly rhythmic with the device’s tempo awareness and advanced interface. If you already use a different type of controller, the MX-1 integrates beautifully with most other devices. You can use it to create polyrhythms, smoothly fade any sound in or out and much more.

Features

Performance mixer with eight channels

Step-sequenced tempo control, transport and FX

Filter, slicer and side chain

Beat and master FX are both applicable to all inputs

Four USB ports with MIDI, bus and sync

Mix mode includes 13 channels

External mode has 18 channels

Instant save and recall of setups

Easy monitoring and changing

Software

This device usually comes with Ableton Live Lite. It works with several other DAW and professional audio recording software programs and with Windows and Mac operating systems.

Best DAW Surface Controllers In Any Price Range

Wouldn’t love for you setup to be as simple as plug and play? That is the case with many DAW surface controllers over $1,000.00 and it is true with the Mackie MCU. This product aims to make your daily tasks more simple. For example, writing automation for many tracks in humongous music projects is as simple as pushing a button – and the same goes for mixing for film and television as well.

Pros

You don’t get the “cheap plastic feel”

Works great with most music production software

No MIDI mapping required

Streamline mixing in your project studio or scale up with multiple MCU XTs to mix major projects

Seamless software integration

Proproetary Mackie communication protocol

V-Pot control over software, plug-in effects and virtual instruments

Over fifty dedicated buttons for fine control of software parameters

Works great with both Windows & Mac

Cons

For its capabilities and versatility, the SSL Nucleus ranks number one. It is perfect for songwriters and professional mixing projects. There are great workflow enhancements, hands-on DAW controls, and superior sound quality. SSL’s unique V-Pots make control a breeze in addition to the 16 smooth motorized faders. With this device, you can use up to three DAWs simultaneously. You also get the power of two 900K SuperAnalogue preamps to complement the impressive interface. The features below are just the highlights. However, there are many more.

Features

Customized soft keys for workflow definition

Ethernet DAW controller

USB and MIDI ports

Run connected DAWs with a single button

Touch-based 100mm motorized faders

Assignable soft keys and V-Pots for digital scribble strips

HUI and MCU controls for wide compatibility

Two user modes

Hi-Z switches for microphones and instruments

Wet/dry blend and mixdown mode

Software

This device is compatible with most Mac and Windows operating systems. It is also compatible with Cubase, Nuendo, Logic, ProTools and most major DAW programs.

For a small console, the Avid Pro Tools S3 packs powerful sound capabilities. It follows in the S6’s footsteps for being one of the best compact mixing units available. With its streamlined setup, it easily handles modern workflows. It is a great choice if you have limited space in your studio but need all of the capabilities that a professional device has to offer. The ergonomic design of this unit makes it a great choice for staying comfortable through long periods of work.

Features

App awareness allows for easy switching between DAWs

Recognizes a wide range of apps

Intuitive operation

USB and MIDI ports

DAW integration

Responsive handling

Workflow acceleration

EUCON technology makes tasks seamless and fast

Software

This device is compatible with most operating systems, and its EUCON technology gives it the ability to easily mix with Logic Pro, Cubase, ProTools and most other major DAW programs.

The Behringer X32 is a great choice for easy use with all of the bells and whistles. With a seamless interface, you can concentrate more on the music instead of on complex mixing tasks. It eliminates the hassle of using countless menus and encoders. If you are looking for a high-end controller that will make your job easier, this is an ideal choice.

Features

Midas-designed mic preamps

Digital console with 40 input channels

Generous 25 automated motorized 100mm faders

USB, MIDI, XLR, phone and additional line ports

Scribble strips on all buses and channels

Onboard FX

Comprehensive controls

Impressive I/O

X-USB card allows recording onto DAW

Software

This device is compatible with most operating systems and is compatible with Studio One, Logic Pro, ProTools, Cubase and most other Core or ASIO DAW systems.

If you want the best studio-quality tools in an easy-to-use interface, this is a good DAW controller for you. The PreSonus StudioLive 32.4.2AI has 32 channels and onboard DSP with Active Integration. You also gain the ability to record via Wi-Fi or using FireWire 800, which both make remote recording easy.

Features

Class A XMAX mic preamps

Adds dimension with four onboard digital effects processors

USB wireless LAN for remote control with mobile devices or computers

Fat-channel processors for optimal quality

SMT for fast tuning in any new setting

Optional Dante, AVB and Thunderbolt cards for advanced setups

Software

This PreSonus device is compatible with most operating systems and major DAW software programs.

Midas worked with Bentley motors to give this product a superb and long-lasting design. With 40 channels, this digital mixing studio has all of the bells and whistles packed into a smaller device. You can fit it in nearly any size of studio. It allows up to 96 inputs and outputs. If pristine sound quality is your top priority, the Midas M32-R is a good selection. The processing power of this device is comparable to models that cost nearly twice as much. An intuitive layout makes it easy to become familiar with quickly, and the layout also makes it easy for you to access the most important functions quickly.

Features

Perfect for professional live or studio recording

Midas preamps create unparalleled sound quality

Custom motorized faders for consistency

FX rack with more than 50 effects processors

Cue list of automation of complex shows

USB, MIDI and multiple other ports

Multiple internal effects engines

Signal path with 48 kHz

Software

You can use this DAW surface controller with most Mac and Windows operating systems. It is compatible with all of the major DAW software programs and may be compatible with some other audio recording programs.

Choosing The Right DAW Surface Controller

First, decide how much you are willing to spend. If you only require basic capabilities, you can get by with spending less than $200. You have to spend more if you want the ability to accomplish advanced effects. For professional use, you should plan on spending at least $1,000. You will need advanced interfaces, high-quality mic preamps and other professional features for top-notch productions. Keep in mind that the features listed on this guide for each product highlight the main features. To understand what the features mean or what other detailed capabilities they provide, you should research the desired product and its features before making a purchase.